Alpha Lambda Delta
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Founded in 1924 at the University of Illinois, Alpha Lambda Delta has been recognizing academic excellence of first-year students for 95 years. Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society for students who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher during their first year or term of higher education.
". . . to encourage superior academic achievement among students in their first year in institutions of higher education, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist women and men in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society."
History
Alpha Lambda Delta's first chapter was created in 1924 at the University of Illinois to honor women who had achieved academic excellence during their first semester as college students. Since then, the organization has spread nationally. ALD currently consists of 217 chapters, and it holds a membership of over 500,000 young men and women.
Membership
Membership is by invitation only. Students must meet the following qualifications to be invited:
- a first quarter grade point average of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
- an earned course credit of 29 hours or less (excluding advanced placement credits)
- a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree
Benefits of ALD
- Lifetime membership
- Provides great opportunities for enhancing your resume
- Scholarships and fellowships are available to ALD members
- Opportunities to engage in community service and volunteer activities
- Networking opportunities with community leaders
- Make friends from around the nation at the annual National Leadership Workshop
- Wear Alpha Lambda Delta Senior Honor Cords at your graduation exercises
- Receive the recognition that comes from membership in a national society with over 80 years of tradition!
- And so much more! Link to website benefits (https://www.nationalald.org/benefits)
Leadership Opportunities
The ALD chapter at NLU provides great opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills through the following executive board positions:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Public Relations
- Social Media
How much does it cost to join Alpha Lambda Delta?
Membership is $35 and is good for a lifetime! A portion of these funds go to the National Office and the remainder stays with our local chapter. The local chapter dues pay for chapter operating expenses (mailings, refreshments, service projects, local scholarships, induction ceremony, etc.).
What do the dues cover?
The national dues cover the cost of your membership certificate, a charm or lapel pin, and a copy of the national magazine, The Flame. In addition, you are eligible to compete for 32 undergraduate scholarships of $1000 and 23 graduate fellowships of $3000-$7500. The national dues also cover the cost of an annual leadership/activities workshop.
Can I lose membership in Alpha Lambda Delta if my grades drop?
Although Alpha Lambda Delta encourages academic excellence throughout your collegiate career, once you have met the criteria for membership in Alpha Lambda Delta and have been initiated, your membership cannot be taken away. If your cumulative GPA falls below 3.5, you will just not be eligible to apply for any scholarships.
In 2004, the National Council approved a change in the bylaws allowing chapters to remove from membership any members who had been found in violation of their school's academic honesty policy.
Can I join both Alpha Lambda Delta and other honor societies? What's the difference?
There is no conflict between membership in Alpha Lambda Delta and other honor societies; in fact, joining more than one will give you greater scholarship opportunities. Honor societies often offer undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships.
If I don't join Alpha Lambda Delta this year, will I be invited again next year if my GPA is still 3.50 or above?
No, students are only eligible for invitation once. If the invitation is not accepted when offered, it is not extended again.
Is Alpha Lambda Delta going to sell my contact information to other companies?
No! Alpha Lambda Delta respects your privacy - we will never sell your private information to or share your private information with any third parties. The National Office does not retain any of your personal information in our files.
Organization Information
For more information about the National Organization, please visit www.nationalald.org
